The effects of jellyfish stings range from mild burning to loss of consciousness and even death. The most severe cases in Australia have been associated with the box jellyfish, Chironex fleckeri, the Irukandji jellyfish, Carukia barnesi.

Appropriate first aid depends on the species responsible for the envenomation.

Phone or send for medical assistance.

Reassure the patient and encourage them to remain calm and still.

Pressure-immobilisation first aid is recommended for cone snail envenomation.

Artificial respiration may be required following a sting.

There is no cone snail antivenom available.

Applying a pressure immobilisation bandage

Persons known to be sensitive to ant, bee or wasp stings should seek immediate medical attention if stung.

Where the sting apparatus remains attached to the skin, it should be removed as soon as possible by scraping with a fingernail or any technique which avoids squeezing further venom into the wound.

In non-sensitive individuals, the application of ice-packs may reduce pain. Analgesia or topical anaesthetic agents may be required where pain cannot be managed otherwise.

Centipedes, especially the larger species, can inflict a painful, venomous bite.

In such cases, the application of ice-packs may reduce pain. Analgesia or topical anaesthetic agents may be required in extreme cases.

If headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or any other systemic effects occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.